Randy's Testimony

The Empty Tomb

Wow, what a week this has been. Seems like all I got done was work and go to the church for the past seven days. Between all the services, practices, meetings, prayer vigils, construction cleanup and everything else that comes with being President of Council it sure was a busy week. I saw a lot of faces that were new to me this week. Some new to me because I was at all three services on Easter Sunday and some because they only come on Easter and some because they were new.

Why did I do all this? Why did everyone make the effort to come to Holy Week services? What is so special about this week of the year to you, to me?

This year, unlike any other I can remember, I was especially and profoundly affected by the Good Friday service and the day after. The day after we crucified Jesus. What were we supposed to feel? In less than 24 hours we went from praying with Jesus in the Garden (I prayed in the church from 1:30AM to 2:30 AM on Good Friday) to watching Jesus die and be put into a tomb. It was no different than if any one of us had been suddenly killed and buried. I felt the loss very personally this year. Even in the midst of the busyness and goings on at the church, I felt the loss. My best friend was taken away from me and I was left dumbfounded and feeling run over by a mack truck.

On Easter Sunday morning as I read the Gospel lesson for the Sunrise Service I got it, again. I understood. My eyes and mind were opened to the Word yet one more time. As my voice faltered just a little bit and I

managed to keep that tear from rolling down my cheek, I read John 20: 1- 18.

This is why I do all this. This is why everyone makes the effort to come to Holy Week services. This is what is so special about this week of the year to you and to me.

THE TOMB IS EMPTY!

Praise God

 How about you? Do you have a testimony of turning your life over to Christ, or a witness story about how God increased your faith?  Put it in Patty’s narthex mailbox or e mail to: pattykissinger@centenniallutheran.org

Note:  Have you just read this testimony and want to respond to the author – send me your reply and I’ll see that they get it!  Blessings, Patty